Finding the best metal detector under £500 can be challenging, especially when you’re looking for a model that combines quality performance with an affordable price tag. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compared three of the best detectors in this price range: the Minelab Vanquish 540, the Garrett ACE 400i, and the Nokta Makro Simplex+. Let’s take a closer look at these options and explain why the Minelab Vanquish 540 comes out on top.
1. Minelab Vanquish 540 – Best Overall Under £500
Price: Around £499
Key Features:
- Multi-IQ technology: Simultaneous multi-frequency detection for better target separation
- 5 search modes: Coin, Relic, Jewellery, All-Metal, and Custom
- 8” coil with optional 12” coil
- Adjustable sensitivity
- Backlit LCD screen
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
The Minelab Vanquish 540 is a standout metal detector that offers exceptional value for money, packed with high-end features typically found in more expensive models. One of its most impressive features is Multi-IQ technology, which allows the detector to simultaneously operate across multiple frequencies (5, 10, 15, and 20 kHz), providing superior performance in a variety of terrains and soil conditions. This technology is particularly useful for detecting both smaller targets like coins and larger items like relics, offering excellent target separation and depth.
With 5 search modes—Coin, Relic, Jewellery, All-Metal, and Custom—the Vanquish 540 gives you versatility, whether you’re hunting in parks, beaches, or fields. The 8” coil provides great target separation, and there’s the option to upgrade to a 12” coil for added depth and coverage. Its backlit LCD screen is easy to read, even in low-light conditions, and the adjustable sensitivity ensures you can adapt the detector to your specific environment.
At just 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs), the Vanquish 540 is lightweight and comfortable, making it ideal for long detecting sessions. The combination of its advanced multi-frequency capability and user-friendly interface makes it the best choice for anyone looking for a powerful, all-around detector under £500.
2. Garrett ACE 400i – Great Performance at a Good Price
Price: Around £400
Key Features:
- 10 kHz operating frequency
- 4 search modes: Coins, Jewellery, Relics, All-Metal
- 8” x 11” DD coil
- Iron Audio feature
- Target ID numbers
- Digital target depth indicator
The Garrett ACE 400i is one of the most popular detectors in the budget-friendly range. It’s known for its ease of use, solid performance, and impressive features for the price. Operating at a 10 kHz frequency, it provides reliable sensitivity for detecting coins, jewelry, and relics. The 8” x 11” DD coil offers excellent coverage and target separation, ensuring you can efficiently find valuable items even in trashy areas.
The ACE 400i is equipped with several advanced features like Iron Audio, which allows you to hear iron targets at a lower tone, helping you avoid digging up unwanted objects. The Target ID system displays a numerical value for different metals, which gives you a better idea of what you’ve found before you start digging. Additionally, the Digital Depth Indicator helps you assess how deep the target is, saving time and effort.
While the Garrett ACE 400i is a strong contender in this price range, it lacks the multi-frequency capability and versatility of the Vanquish 540, making it less ideal for some more challenging terrains.
3. Nokta Makro Simplex+ – Best for Beginners
Price: Around £300
Key Features:
- Multi-frequency technology (4 frequencies)
- Waterproof up to 3 meters
- 11” coil
- Backlit display
- 4 search modes: Park, Field, Beach, All-Metal
- Vibration and audio feedback
The Nokta Makro Simplex+ is a fantastic entry-level metal detector, offering features typically found in higher-end models. Its multi-frequency technology enables it to work efficiently in a range of environments, and it’s fully waterproof up to 3 meters—a great feature for beach hunts or searches around water. The 11” coil provides solid depth and target separation, while the backlit display ensures you can easily see your readings, even in low-light conditions.
The Simplex+ offers 4 search modes, making it versatile enough for a variety of terrain, and the added vibration feedback provides an extra layer of ease for beginners. However, despite its solid feature set, the Simplex+ doesn’t offer the same level of depth and performance as the Vanquish 540 in terms of target separation and advanced settings.
Why the Minelab Vanquish 540 is the Best Choice Under £500
After comparing the three models, it’s clear that the Minelab Vanquish 540 offers the best combination of features, performance, and value for money under £500. Its Multi-IQ technology, which uses multiple frequencies simultaneously, provides superior depth and target separation, making it versatile across different types of terrain and conditions. The Vanquish 540’s lightweight design, backlit LCD screen, and 5 search modes make it easy to use and highly adaptable for all kinds of metal detecting adventures.
While the Garrett ACE 400i offers great performance, especially in terms of depth and target ID, it lacks the advanced multi-frequency capability of the Vanquish 540. The Nokta Makro Simplex+, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for beginners, but its overall depth and sensitivity don’t match the level of the Vanquish 540.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for the best metal detector under £500, the Minelab Vanquish 540 is the clear winner. It combines cutting-edge multi-frequency technology, excellent performance in a range of conditions, and user-friendly features that make it suitable for both beginners and experienced detectorists. Whether you’re hunting for coins, relics, or jewelry, the Vanquish 540 provides the versatility, depth, and accuracy needed to make your metal detecting experience more enjoyable and successful.
Pros:
- Multi-IQ technology for superior depth and target separation
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
- 5 search modes for various conditions
- Backlit LCD screen for easy readability
- Easy to use, making it perfect for both beginners and experts
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than some other models in this range
- Doesn’t come with a rechargeable battery (uses AA batteries)